I started digital planning almost a year ago. And it has become my preferred way to stay organized and work more efficiently.
Before getting into digital planning, I found myself with tons of halfway used planners. Due to the fact that I used to buy planners because of how cute they we’re rather than their functionality.
This cost me both time and money. While I enjoyed brand new planners as well as stationary supplies, it became a bit much to keep up with.
Meaning, finding a planner that I could carry with me while running errands left me very limited of the type of planner could use. Which unfortunately didn’t help me stay consistent with planning, productivity, or time management.
Having a planner that is functional and easily accessible has been achieved for me through digital planning. When I purchased my first digital planner I felt extremely excited and a bit overwhelmed with getting started.
However, I learned along the way about how crucial it is to be mindful when choosing a digital planner. If you feel overwhelmed while using your first planner then you may want to consider going with a more minimal designed planner until you get accustomed to digital planning.
There are TONS of beautiful templates that you can chose from. I’ve discovered many digital planning shops on Etsy. Some of which offer sample versions of the planner to help you get a feel of the planner before making a purchase.
If you want to give digital planning a try before going all in, then I recommend checking out Happy Downloads Free Digital Planner For 2023, PaperNRoses Freebie Planner, or The Kind Goal Planner Sample.
Dated Vs Undated Digital Planners
One thing that appreciate about digital planners is having the choice of an undated or dated planner.
If you’re a beginner then I’d recommend choosing the dated version so that you dive right into planning. On the other hand, undated digital planners means you have to fill in the dates yourself.
However, you can download a new copy (at no additional cost) of the planner and used it year after year since it’s undated.
Landscape Or Portrait Planner?
Most digital planner shops offer the option of choosing a landscape version of the planner or the portrait version. I person find it much easier using the portrait version of digital planners.
How Do You Do Digital Planning?
So the digital planner itself is a PDF file that can be edited on a Tablet\iPad using a PDF annotation app. Apps I recommend using for digital planning are:
- Goodnotes (Apple)
- Xodo (Apple and Android)
- Penly (Android)
Now that we’ve gotten through the basics let’s get into the good stuff!
How To Get Started With Digital Planning
A Beginner’s Guide To Digital Planning
Choose Your Device
The first thing you’ll want to do is choose the device that you’ll be doing your digital planning on.
Wether you’re using a tablet or an ipad, you’ll want to make this your primary device for planning. While you can sync your devices and access your planner from your phone or laptop it’s recommended to use a tablet/iPad for making edits, planning, and customizing your planner.
Choose Your Planner
Once have your device you’ll want to choose a planner. When choosing your planner that’s when you’ll see an overview of it’s design, different layouts and versions of the planner. So take as much time to decide on which planner you’d like. Digital planner shops I recommend are:
- HolyCozyCo
- The Kind Goal
- PaperNRoses
- Create Heart Work
- Flourish Planner
Watch A Tutorial If Possible
If at some point you feel stuck or have a difficult time navigating the planner then I suggest watching a tutorial if it’s provided by the seller.
I enjoy watching planning videos to gain insight on its features and gain inspiration. By doing so, you don’t miss out any hidden gems that are in your planner.
Customize Your Settings
Now, this part is completely optional however it can save you time during your planning sessions.
Depending on your planning style, you can make changes to your editing tools to fit your aesthetic. Whether it’s changing the font, color, or letter sizing.
Or perhaps, you plan to use your handwriting in your digital planner, you can change the pen settings, colors, and sizing as well.
Start Planning
Once you have all the essentials for digital planning, you can now get into planning.
Digital planning allows you to plan with ease and you can easily make modifications to your planner without using white out or scribbling over errors. I don’t know about you but if something can save me time, it’s golden.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, digital planning has also helped me become a better planner, manage my time better, and help me take inspired action towards achieving my goals.
If you’ve been wanting to get into digital planning but been on the fence, the I recommend giving it a try.
Digital planning is fun, sustainable, and full of possibilities. I hope this post is helpful and insightful to your journey.
My 2023 Digital Planning Essentials
Shop iPad & Accessories | Shop Planner & Stickers
These Are The Ways To Get Started With Digital Planning
You May Also Like:
